Jeff Samardzija threw 12 pitches Wednesday to Derek Jeter. All were fastballs of at least 93 mph. The Cubs righty does rely on his heater. But the lack of diversity was not about his strength.

More and more, the opposition has homed in on what is now Jeter’s weakness — if you have a hard-throwing righty, Jeter has turned into something resembling a Mets pitcher trying to hit.

Jeter’s overall results against righties are not very good (all stats going into Thursday night). He was hitting just .237 off righties and his .278 slugging percentage was seventh-worst in the majors (minimum 100 at-bats off righties). Yankee fans might want to gulp here: Jacoby Ellsbury was ninth (.286).

But the bigger problem has been when you get more granular. Baseball Info Solutions broke down Jeter’s at-bats against pitchers such as Samardzija, whose average fastball is at least 93 mph. The results: Jeter has two hits (including one off Samardzija) in 24 at-bats — both are singles — plus two walks. He is hitting .083 in those situations with a .154 on-base percentage. He is hitless in 16 plate appearances against righties who average 94 mph or more and, just for comparison, he is at .186 (without an extra-base hit) in 46 plate appearances against righties who average 92 or more.

It is possible this is a small sample size — though more than 15 percent of his plate appearances are against righties averaging 93-plus and more than 27 percent are against righties averaging 92-plus.

We can also say Jeter is still trying to find his timing after a lost 2013. In his last healthy season, 2012, Jeter hit a respectable .279 in 143 plate appearances against pitchers who average at least 93 mph with a .340 on-base percentage, but just a .333 slugging percentage.

Yankees manager Joe Girardi has not given up on his shortstop. He had the perfect day-game-after-night-game excuse to not start Jeter vs. Samardzija, yet went with Jeter anyway.

But scouts have noticed this trouble area. Jeter generally encounters a large amount of fastballs, but this year it is 68.4 percent of the pitches seen, which is the third-highest among qualifiers. Plus, there are more hard throwers — particularly in late-game bullpens — than ever, so you can expect Jeter to be fed a large diet of power righties. We will learn if this is small sample/getting timing back, or whether — a month shy of 40 — Jeter simply cannot catch up consistently enough with power righties.

If the latter is the case, what can the Yankees do?

This is Jeter’s final season, and it could be tough to limit his playing time and/or begin pinch-hitting regularly for him late when someone such as the Cardinals’ Carlos Martinez is summoned.

Or the Yankees could try to emulate a team such as the A’s, who use platoons in many positions to maximize outputs. The multi-positional skills of Yangervis Solarte and Kelly Johnson, the switch-hitting abilities of Solarte and Brian Roberts and the defensive acumen of Brendan Ryan gives Girardi the opportunity to get creative with infield alignments.

Jeter has essentially emulated a mid-lineup power hitter against lefties throughout his career. He is not that any longer (his power is pretty much gone), but he was hitting .321 with a .410 on-base percentage vs. southpaws. So he can start against all lefties and, perhaps, finesse-oriented righties.

Against hard-throwing righties, Girardi could actually start Solarte at short (1.001 OPS vs. righties) and defend late with Ryan. One scout said, “Solarte is not a high-end shortstop, but at this moment, he is no worse than Jeter.” Plus, Jeter is available to face a lefty as the game progresses.

There is a shot Girardi just gives Jeter his more frequent off days against hard-throwing righties, but changes little else, worried it could be more damaging to the clubhouse to disrespect Jeter. Or Jeter can show he still has magic about him and heat up with the weather.

But it is worth watching how this progresses. Because Jeter has shown a vulnerability, scouts have noticed and — while they might honor him in the pregame during this farewell tour — opponents will not be so kind during games.

Where has Cano’s power gone?

Robinson CanoPhoto: Getty Images

In their first foray to sign Robinson Cano, the Yankees noted similarities to David Wright — they actually had played the same 1,374 games and had comparable stats — and offered a deal similar to the eight-year, $138 million pact the Mets reached with their captain.

Cano, of course, was aiming higher, insisting on 10 years throughout the process. He got that and $240 million from the Mariners. And he also got more similarities to Wright — a tougher home park in which to hit for power and worse lineup protection. And, lo and behold, they both went into Thursday with two homers in 45 games.

Cano was hitting .326 and had reached base in 28 straight games, the longest active streak in the majors. But two homers (none in 65 at-bats at spacious Safeco Field) are equal to Ramiro Pena.

And three scouts contacted concurred what the problems are, with one saying: “I have seen him and I don’t think his actual power has gone anywhere. He still shows plenty of raw strength during batting practice, and I don’t have any questions as to if it’s still there. I think the park certainly has something to do with it. The differences between New York and Seattle are pretty obvious.

“I think the other issue is that he’s not getting much to hit, much less to drive. Clubs were clearly pitching around him in every meaningful situation, and he’s left with the choice of taking a ton of walks or expanding and trying to find some singles and doubles. I know there is a healthy debate as to the real value of ‘protection’ in a lineup, but it’s hard to deny that clubs are being careful with him. It’s not just behind him but in front of him as well. He’s not getting a ton of chances to hit with runners on when pitchers are forced to pitch him more aggressively.

“Why would you attack him? If it’s a tight game and he walks or singles, clubs aren’t going to worry that much about it as long as he’s out of the gaps and inside the fences.”

Not giving up on Moustakas

When someone hits great in spring training next year and I am tempted to put value in it, I hope I remember these two words: Mike Moustakas.

The Royals third baseman hit .429 in the Cactus League with 11 extra-base hits and 18 RBIs in 24 games, and once again there was belief — at age 25 — he was ready to be unshackled from an erratic, mostly unsuccessful first three seasons.

Instead, he was sent down Thursday with a .152 batting average and a .543 OPS. Kansas City GM Dayton Moore told me it was a combination of Danny Valencia (.308/.785) producing and Moustakas needing “a fresh start” he might get at Triple-A. He might be a change-of-scenery guy, and three teams already had contacted Kansas City about trying to obtain him.

Should Yankees sit Jeter against hard-throwing righties?

It is funny that Mo and Andy retired and were both still very productive. Jeter, younger than them, and still playing, looks like he should have retired first. So, we have to wait til next year for a short stop, huh?

Ahhhhhhhhhh! BiggestDOPEever, aka, BiggestYankeeWanabeever, with nothing new to say, but, " you no nuttin bout nuttin ". I do know that the " we " whimpering, Beantown-crybabies aught to turn their misguided attention from the team they love to hate to the downward-spiral of their own hometown heroes before another chicken and beer brewfest hits the next edition of the Herald. By the way BiggestDOPE, that small-market team of yours just spent another 10 mil, making them the 3rd highest payroll ( closing on 2nd and 1st ) in MLB. With the current highest average ticket price in all of baseball, this should make red sox fans ecstatic about the prospect of next years prices----I KNOW WE WILL ALWAYS OWN YOUR SNIFFLING, ENVIOUS SOULS!

Yes, They should sit him period!... He has no range, arm no defense anymore and I see lots of plays where he should be charged with a error! How many double plays has he hit into which kills any run scoring rallys....I've seen little leagues hit balls harder, 80 percent of his balls are weak ground balls in the infield.

Girardi should show he can coach and sit players that hurt a team no matter Icon or not!.....Sorry but I'm a Yankee Fan and Not a Jeter Fan!...I play to win!

I have criticized Sherman's articles in the past when in disagreement, but I do not see this article as piling on a fading star. He has not been too quick to focus on Jeter's 2014 offensive failures. I have been far more critical of his #2 batting position since the obvious, statistical-observation of his lack of production from what is expected of a #2 hitter warrants a move to the #7,8 or 9 slot! Contrary to all of Tony "motormouth " Moschetti"'s anti-Yankee-fan, article-within-an-article, political-propaganda, polemic, most Yankee fans called for his retirement a year ago and expect Girardi to drop him in the line up asap as Jeter seems more intent on making excuses, instead of decisions for his team. While Solarte sports all of the offensive, statistical, requisites of a #2 hitter and Jeter reflects none ( striking out at a 100+ pace and failing to move runners when most critical to the game ) Girardi still seems to have been hired to run a farewell tour rather than manage a team!

Thanks to Sherman for spotting the elephant in the room. It's been cowering in the corner for at least 5 years. The Jete can't hit a good fast ball. He can expect to get crowded with heavy heat for the rest of the year. But not because Sherman said anything that wasn't out there thru scouting reports.

Just look back at all of the Jete's dying quails over the 2nd baseman's head to right field. This is nothing new.

So to many of the clueless Yankee fans the fact that Jeter can no longer hit good, hard fastballs is Sherman's fault. No, it's his fault for pointing it out with the FACTS to back up what he wrote.

Hardcore Yankee fans remind me of the OBAMABOTS, who can find nothing negative about the hapless street organizer, and who call anyone who FAIRLY criticizes him "racists."

That's the New York mentality. How do I know? I traveled there for 15 years for business. One thing New Yorkers (not all of course) have in common is that you can't criticize their icons.

Jeter had his run, and it WAS a great one. As someone said, if the truly had any class, and is truly a team player jhe would recognize that the is hurting the team. Problem is with Cashman at the helm, there is no one to move in. Look at the guys he paid nearly a half bilion dollars. Do ANY of themappear to be worth a fraction of the money he throws at them. Right now the LOWEST paid palyer in the lineup, Solarte, is by far their best hitter.

Without lineup cards you would think that Hafner, Francisco, Nelson, et al are back!

A real dilemma! On one side is an icon who deserves to "go out" with class and dignity. On the other hand, is a nearly 40 year old whose skills have faded. If his production against LHP is that much better, he should get every start available (both at short & DH). Confident Gerardi will "get creative," as Sherman says. Bottom line: Jeter has to take a page out of Mantle & DiMaggio's books. Mantle took himself out of the lineup, because it wasn't helping the team. DiMag retired because he couldn't measure up to the standard HE set for himself. The choice has to be Jeter's. He's a champion, and he'll make the right decision.

He shouldn't sit, but he shouldn't be batting 2nd either. There is no shame in batting 7th or 8th vs. some pitchers. If Jeter is the team player everyone believes he is, he should volunteer, at least at all-star break.

Team is much better with Ellsbury and Gardner at the top, even with both being lefties.

Once again, not a word about Mr. Guru Kevin Long. What does he get paid for. He couldn't help Babe Ruth out of a slump. He's had some of the best lineups in baseball and keeps getting fed great hitters, yet when they come to the yankees they all hit below average. Teixeira was a 300 hitter in texas. Jeter had to go back to his high school hitting coach to get back on track. Now Ellsbury forgot how to hit a baseball, along with McCann, and Soriano. Never a word written about a hitting coach with great hitters for years who are horribly inconsistent.

Mike Sherman, thought bubble while being forced to pen another article:

"One more day, one more forced article, hey, it pays, right?... should I go the the barrel again? Have to, nothing original has crossed my mind since... since, I can't remember. Bottom of the barrel it is, one more day's to-do list taken care of!"

Oh, please, Sherman, don't bring up that feeble crap about Jeter still trying to get his timing back. Bunk! The fact is, NOTHING will be done about his inability to catch up with hard throwing righties...because he's Jeter and in a few months, it will all be over anyway. The Yankees and Girardi will suck it up and live with Jeter's anemic bat vs righty fastballers.

@theenforcer Pedroia .275, Ortiz .276, Napoli .260, Pierzynski .258, victorino .242 gomes .242, and there harping on Jeter batting .268 at 40 years old. He went 2 for 4 with a walk and a run last night. Wouldn't be surprised at all if he finishes the year at .280, .290. How many yung guys in the majors bat in the .240's .250's every year. Give the guy a break, he's retiring isn't he? He's still productive, and the other yankees aren't hitting much better. If they were he probably would be moved down the order.

@USMCBXBomber Why are you posting you are saying same think this idiot writer wrote .? He is in his what 20 year of baseball and we all know this is his last year .The Great Cal Ripkin had a lousy year when he retire he is normal after all ?

@Robert Jahelka I AGREE ONE THOUSAND PERCENT. AS I.'VE SAID BEFORE, IF THE BOSS WAS AROUND THERE IS A 100 PERCENT CHANCE THIS FRAUD WOULD HAVE A DIFFERANT ZIP CODE. HE MUST HAVE SOMETHING SERIOUS ON CASHMAN . AS THE BOSS SAID, (YOU GET WHAT YOU ACCEPT.)HE HAS BEEN A TOTAL FAILURE FOR THE PAST FOUR YEARS.

@Robert Jahelka hitting coach is the most overrated job in baseball...Jeter has only been playing 20 years of major league ball and some hitting coach is supposed to help him..... how about he is finished...he should have retired already because not only cant he hit but for years his defense has been terrible with no range,,,,get a clue

@Rick Ferrari I don't think anyone wants to rag on the Captain, but he's exposing many flaws out there and the Yankees spent a whole lot of money trying to fix a season that was flushed last year. He doesn't even catch a ball or throw like he used to. I love the guy and he is the Captain, but he is actually taking up a roster spot at 40 plus a day to day headache for Girardi that he doesn't need right now....I know...how are you suppose to break the news to this guy...I wouldn't have a clue....I agree with Jahelka...he's earned the right to a little slack, but it can't go on for a hundred more games.

@Paul Goldsholl he made a fair point..FACT Jeter cant hit a fastball anymore and iof he was the great leader all you blind fans say he is he should do whats best for the team and hit the bench...but he wont even get out of the 2 hole so much for doing whats best for the team...\can you say selfish

Robert, don't pay any attention to what the dope posts. He knows nothing about nothing. He chirps about the bosox being 3rd in payroll. Well, they are still 75 million behind the yanks. Wouldn't it be nice to have an extra 75 million to spend? Toronto and Baltimore are going to beat the yanks and look how much lower their payroll is. What a fool and a tool.

@Charlie Durham@Robert Jahelka You're right, if the boss was around, Long would be LONG GONE. I like Girardi, but Long isn't helping any of these guys. The other guy Rothschild, looks like he hasn't a clue. He looks like a deer caught in the headlights whenever our pitchers are getting hammered. I like guys that get angry when things aren't going right. Show some damn emotion about losing. The Boss would.

@Joe Mccabe@Robert Jahelka "Jeter is finished"...."he has no range"...I am a robot repeating what I'm told on the radio...(Heard all of that two years ago and he went on to have a great year.) So sick of listening to the sheeple regurgitate what that hear and then tell other people to "get a clue" Pseudo intellectual moron.

@JayHawkey I agree with your comment. I don't want to rag on Jeter but he is hurting the team. The Yanks even gave him a pay-raise this year, and if Jeter has any sense, he'd give it back. I am really disappointed this year in Ellsbury and McCann. The best catcher on the Yanks right now is J.R. and Joey keeps having McCann pinch hit for him WHATTTTTTTTTT!!!

@Robert Jahelka@Rick Ferrari WE'RE WAITING!!!!!!!!!!! There have many, many clutch times in this young season with Jeter at the plate DUH....You need to read Joe Mccabe' comment. He really hits the nail on the head. Jeter should have really retired with MO and they could have recieved all the Cheers and accolades together. Anybody WONDER why Jeter waited to do it on his own, and give the fans plenty of notice before the season began????? Think about it.!!! Really THINK about it.....

@Robert Jahelka@Rick Ferrari he hasn't EARNED ANYTHING...WHEN YOU DONT PRODUCE YPOU SHOULDNT PLAY... if he was the great leader all the Jeter sheeple say he is then he should tell Girardi to drop him to the 9 spot..if hew was such a leader he would have moved off SS when ARod got here considering ARod was a far superior defensive SS...Jeter is overrated as a leader and at this point in his career he should be watching from the bench

@Hiro Takadi@Joe Mccabe@Robert Jahelka McCabe? Could very well be Boston. Yeah, Jeter is finished. He knows it, that's why he's retiring. But at 40 he is still better than a ton of guys in the majors. If anyone deserves to go out with the respect they are giving him, it's Jeter.